The government has taken the initiative to amend the Cyber Security Act to prevent the spread of rumors, misinformation, defamatory content, and misleading images, videos, and audio created using artificial intelligence (AI) on social media. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad stated that the new law will include provisions to compel international technology platforms, including Facebook’s parent company Meta, to remove harmful content within a specific timeframe.
He provided this information on Monday in the National Parliament, responding to an urgent public interest notice raised under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure. The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Kawsar Kamal, and the notice was presented by Helena Jerin Khan, Member of Parliament for a reserved women’s seat.
The Home Minister said that in recent times, various misleading content targeting the head of government, his family members, political figures, and important individuals in society has been spread on social media. For this reason, new definitions for rumors, misinformation, and defamatory content will be established, and strict penalties will be incorporated for the creation, publication, and dissemination of such content.
He further informed that the amended law will also cover issues related to creating misleading, offensive, and defamatory content using AI. Simultaneously, it will include strengthening coordination with international technology platforms, time-bound content removal, and an accountable system for resolving reported content.
In response to a supplementary question, the Home Minister explained that the current law does not allow compelling companies like Meta to remove content within a specific period. Consequently, even when requests are sent, prompt action is often not received. The new amendment will include provisions to ensure accountability from international technology companies, including Meta. Additionally, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), cyber security agencies, and other authorized authorities will be empowered to remove, block, or relocate harmful content.
The Home Minister also addressed the issue of online gambling during the discussion. He stated that gambling in the country is still regulated by the old 1867 law, despite the proliferation of online and digital platform-based gambling with technological advancements. He expressed hope that a new ‘Gambling Prevention Act’ to combat both online and offline gambling is almost complete and might be introduced in the current parliamentary session.